The Plumas National Forest has released their Final Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Record of Decision. They decision was published on August 26, but they just recently released maps so you can see the effects better.
The good news is that they recognize that the Pacific Crest Trail receives so little use (none in some more remote locales) and have removed the non-motorized buffers in places far from winter trailheads. The bad news is that the PCT changes are about it. Mt Fillmore is still being treated as a Botanical Special Interest Area, the upper reaches of the Jamison Creek drainages are being treated as a potential Wild and Scenic River even though there’s not even a creek there some years, and areas with zero reported conflicts (or use that matter) are still being closed with non-motorized recreation cited as a cause.
You can view the Project Page here.
Click on the “Analysis” tab at the bottom to see the maps and FEIS documents that give the reasons for closures.
Overall Forest Map
https://www.fs.usda.gov/nfs/11558/www/nepa/101835_FSPLT3_4769070.pdf
Bucks Lake area Map
http://www.fs.usda.gov/nfs/11558/www/nepa/101835_FSPLT3_4769072.pdf
Lakes Basin Map
http://www.fs.usda.gov/nfs/11558/www/nepa/101835_FSPLT3_4769073.pdf
LaPorte area Map
http://www.fs.usda.gov/nfs/11558/www/nepa/101835_FSPLT3_4769074.pdf
The other good news is that it’s not over yet. We’re now in the objection phase which means that if you submitted comments back in scoping, or regarding the DEIS earlier this year, you still have a chance to let the Regional Office know you object to the plan the Plumas has put out. To be honest they didn’t change much so if you objected then, you should object now. The formal objection period is 45 days from the Draft Record of Decision date, (Aug 21). By our math that’s October 5 as the deadline. As always reach out to us on social media if you have any questions.
Comments are due March 1.
The Plumas has extended their comment period and re-scheduled some open house meetings.
MEETINGS:
- February 26, 2019 (updated February 11, 2019*) in Blairsden-Graeagle, CA at the
Graeagle Fire Hall, 7620 Hwy 89, from 4:00-6:00 pm. - February 27, 2019 in Oroville, CA at the Southside Oroville Community Center, 2959 Lower Wyandotte Rd. from 4:00-6:00 pm.
The Plumas released their DEIS documents on 10/25/2018. You can find them under the ‘analysis tab’ here.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47124
What’s being proposed (alternative 2)
What’s being proposed (alternative 2) https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd602172.pdf
Our friends at CORVA have put together a good document that explains the purpose of comments, and how to write them effectively.
The most important thing to mention in your comments your DETAILED attachment to the areas you ride in the Plumas. Be specific. Talk about why you ride the areas you do. Talk about the community that exists around playing in the snow on forest lands.
Download this document and include it with your comments. It will help.
We’ve made an animated gif to see what’s being proposed a little better. The image toggles between existing management (alternative 1) and the proposal (alt 2)
Gray is open, green is closed. Notable proposed closures are on Bucks Lake Rd, the area south/southwest of Eureka State park, Dixie Peak, Mt Fillmore, and around Lake Davis.
Full size: https://sierrasnowmobilefoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/map1_2.gif
We’ve also put together a short list of comment highlights if you want to get started. This list has been updated 1/12/2019.